Mr. James Johnson Austin III

Mr. James Johnson (Jim) Austin, III, 59, passed away Saturday, March 27, 2010 at Elizabethan Gardens Assisted Living, Monroe, NC, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

He was born July 7, 1950, In Charlotte, NC, the son of the late Mr. James J. Austin, Jr. and Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Waller Austin. He was also preceded in death by his sister-in-law Dana Robinson Britt.

Mr. Austin was a graduate of Monroe High School and Central Piedmont Community College. He served in the U. S. Army and was stationed in Germany for two years.

He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Bonnie Robinson Austin of Weddington, NC; mother-in-law, Mabel P. Robinson of Monroe, NC; sister-in-law Debra R. Davis and husband Mike of Huntersville, NC; brothers-in-law Wayne Robinson and Dale Robinson and wife Andrea, all of Monroe, NC, and brother-in-law Kelly Britt of Indian Trail, NC. In addition, he is survived by eight nieces and nephews – Gregory Davis, Emily Robinson, and Justin, John, Katie, Jamie, Sam, and Jack Britt, one aunt Dot Waller of Belmont, NC, and several cousins.

Jim loved animals and most especially his beloved cat Casper. He enjoyed many hobbies including metal detecting and searching for new places to treasure hunt. He made friends easily and loved going to his favorite place – the beach.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Elizabethan Gardens Assisted Living for their kind and devoted care during Jim’s illness and to Hospice of Union County for their care and guidance in recent weeks.

Funeral services to celebrate the life of Mr. Austin will begin with visitation at Siler Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall at 12:30 PM – 1:45 PM on Tuesday, March 30, 2010 with services to begin at 2:00 PM in the church sanctuary conducted by the Rev. Bruce Powell. Interment will follow at Lakeland Memorial Park, Monroe, NC.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 3800 Shamrock Drive, Charlotte, NC 28215 (alz.org) or to Siler Presbyterian Church, 6301 Weddington-Monroe Road, Wesley Chapel, NC 28104.

Online condolences may be sent to www.mcewenmonroefuneral.com.

McEwen Funeral and Cremation Service, 204 South Main Street, Monroe, NC 28112 is serving the family of Mr. Austin.